The Wacky Hijinks of the Crazy Lady Trio at Mousefest - THREAD 2 - COMPLETE!! - UPDATED 3/28 About This Page:

[PrincessSharon]

Originally Posted by Mulan2

BTW, what is a kaki gori??

It's shaved ice with fruit-flavored syrup, kind of a Japanese version of a snow cone. They are a bargain - only $2.25. They're available at a little stand next to the building where the drummers play. Here I am enjoying one:

[Caldercup]

Originally Posted by retiredkid

I know how much fun you have with your buddies, but you sure do get a lot done when your by yourself too. Kudos to you.

Yeah... she blames the "slow down" on my need to take care of bodily functions -- like rest rooms breaks and dining.
Eileen

[retiredkid]

Originally Posted by Caldercup

Yeah... she blames the "slow down" on my need to take care of bodily functions -- like rest rooms breaks and dining.
Eileen

Actually, I don't know where I'd be without those two things while at WDW.
Both are very important to successful touring.

[angiek1024]

Looks like a great morning before heading home. Your report was wonderful and of course, I can't wait until the next one!

Looking forward to your final thoughts.

[Disney_Scarlett]

Dude, I'm skeart of Malestrom too! Not enough to not ride it, but it does give me some heebiejeebies.

Sounds like a really productive last-day. Kaki Gori can make parting an even sweeter sorrow.

Can't wait for the final thoughts - and then a new TR!

[zacksmom_1993]

OK, I'm just going to reply quickly. I'll have much more to say later. But, Sharon? Your comments about how you tour Magic Kingdom made me totally re-configure the Big A$% spreadsheet. And, I won't do that for just anybody! Love ya, girl!

[DyanKJ130]

I can't believe your TR is coming to an end, but I'm so glad there will be another one to follow soon!! Can't wait to hear your final thoughts!

[Cheriemek]

As usual, great pictures and wonderful narration.

[Jillybean]

Dang girl, why don't you do a few things before you leave? I feel out of breath just reading and trying to keep up with you - - heaven help me if I actually was trying to keep up with you!

And I am so glad that those zombie teenager didn't getcha!

Beautiful photos as usual, my dear! And so, so sorry to see this trip coming to an end - - but then again, with Princess Sharon, that means that another one is right around the corner.

Jill

[hildai]

Sharon,
Great trip report! Even by yourself it sounds like you enjoyed your day at MK and EPCOT. I can't wait to read your pre-trip report for the next one!

[mom to 3 princesses and 1 prince]

Originally Posted by PrincessSharon

Sharon, I totally thought of you when I saw this last September.

[PrincessSharon]

Originally Posted by Disney_Scarlett

Dude, I'm skeart of Malestrom too! Not enough to not ride it, but it does give me some heebiejeebies.

Scarlett, we have so much in common. Why aren't you my BFF? You wouldn't mock me like those other two, would you?

[PrincessSharon]

Final Thoughts and Ramblings

I guess you can say it’s lucky that after every trip I take, I end up saying it was the best trip ever. So much fun, and so many laughs – how could it be anything but the perfect trip? Friends trips are a lot different from family trips, but both are special. But what makes both of them special are the wonderful people you share them with. I am lucky to call Eileen and Karen my friends, and I know that we will have fun together anywhere on Earth, simply because we are together. Put us in the Happiest Place on Earth and how can you go wrong? Yes, I know technically Disneyland is the “Happiest Place on Earth,” but “The Other Happiest Place on Earth” doesn’t have the same ring to it.

There were so many memorable moments I can’t list them all, but I’ll mention some of my favorites, in no particular order.

Sitting on the balcony at the GF watching the sun come up over the Magic Kingdom.
Joking around with the Stepsisters.
Making a fool of myself whenever I saw Goofy.
Watching the PassPorters dancing at MVMCP.
Beating Karen and Eileen at Buzz.
Being the star of the show in the Laugh Floor Comedy Club.
Our induction into the Epcot Lush Club.
Giggling at Flame Head during the Candlelight Processional.
The sucker seats at the Adventurer’s Club.
And of course, inappropriate a$$ crack.

The Firsts:

As often as I’ve been to WDW, I still had some new experiences.

First Mousefest
First time receiving an upgrade
First time staying at the Grand Floridian
First time staying Concierge
First time seeing the “new” HM
First time having dinner with the Tremaines at 1900 Park Fare
First time meeting Jiminy Cricket
First time eating at Biergarten
First time visiting the Adventurer’s Club
First time having dinner at Kona Café

Transportation:

Southwest Airlines – This was my first experience with Southwest’s new numbered boarding system. I was surprised at first when I had what I thought was a high number (32), but the first 15 spots were empty (reserved for Business Select). I used to stay in my seat at the gate and only lined up when actual boarding had begun, which usually meant that I was one of the last “A’s” to board, and even then, I never had a problem getting a window seat (I like to sit near the middle of the plane). This new boarding system definitely works to my advantage. It was a welcome change to not have people lined up for an hour, and the boarding process was easy. A definite improvement! The only issue now is if you arrive late at the gate, you may have trouble finding a seat!

Disney’s Magical Express – As always, my DME experience was enjoyable. This is my 5th or 6th time using DME, and I think I’ve figured out the “schedule.” It seems to me that the buses leave on the half hour, so I will rush or take a leisurely stroll through the airport according to what time I land next time.

Resort Transportation – You cannot beat the monorail line for convenience! That’s actually one of the things I’m most looking forward to about my next trip. While we were at the Grand Floridian, we only visited the MK, so I don’t know what the bus service is like from there. The only gripe I had about the WL my last stay was the transportation. It felt like it took forever to get anywhere, even the MK. This trip, I’m happy to say, things were quicker. The boat service especially was better. Catching a bus is always kind of luck of the draw, and we really only waited a long time once.

I should say, I rely on public transportation to get to work every day, so this kind of thing is second nature to me. And believe me, it’s a whole lot nicer than the New York City subway system!

The Resorts:

The Grand Floridian – The only reason a stay at the GF was planned this trip was so that I could cross it off the list of resorts I need to stay at (so close to having stayed at them all ). I always thought the resort was beautiful, but it never “called to me.” After my stay, I can say that it was one of my very favorite resort experiences ever. It was completely magical to sit out on our balcony and listen to the MK waking up. And of course our upgrade didn’t hurt either. I’m almost afraid to stay at the GF again, because I don’t think any other stay could live up to this experience.

Wilderness Lodge – Even though both of these resorts are MK area, the experiences are worlds different. The GF is MK. You can see it, you can hear it, you can hop the monorail to it. The Wilderness Lodge, however, is like an oasis. Even though you’re just a stone’s throw from the MK, you would never know it. It’s such a beautiful resort, and so peaceful, but exhilarating at the same time. I so enjoyed just walking around and getting lost in the moment. I’m sure I’ll stay at the WL again, because my resorts “to do” list is so, so short!

The Food:

Though I’m hardly a “foodie,” I enjoy a good meal as much as the next person. My favorite dining experiences tend to be buffets (I love trying a little of everything) and character meals. I also enjoy restaurants that are heavily themed, like 50s PTC and Sci-Fi. I also like to try the fine dining places, but usually only once per trip (as I said earlier, sophisti-micated, I ain’t ). The perfect trip combines old favorites with new places.

1900 Park Fare – A buffet. A character buffet. And with face characters who really like to interact with the guests. How can I not love it? The only knock on this meal is that we were having so much fun with the characters, the food ended up taking a back seat! I guess I enjoyed everything I ate, but when I remember this meal, I remember the people and not the food. Will I be back? Absolutely!

Liberty Tree Tavern – I think the three of us enjoyed this meal for different reasons. I got to spend time with my favorite Goofy, Eileen got to spend time with her favorite, Minnie, and Karen got to enjoy us acting like star-struck kids. The food is yummy (though I’m a sucker for a turkey dinner). I’ll definitely eat at LTT again.

50’s Prime Time Café – We had a fine meal here. Rick, our server, was fun, and the food was delicious. We didn’t have the typical kind of antics, but plenty of CLT (plus Lesley) hijinks. I’ll definitely eat at PTC again.

Biergarten – Biergarten was new for me, and I’m kind of sorry I waited so long to try it. The food was delicious, and I loved the Oktoberfest feel of the place. It was great running into Barb and Bob, and then being able to share a table with them. I can definitely see myself eating here again.

Whispering Canyon Café – Even though it was a quiet night in the WCC, we still had fun. The food at WCC is consistently good (not great), and I will definitely visit this restaurant again.

Boma – Boma is my favorite buffet, for both dinner and breakfast. I love the variety of options on the buffet. I wouldn’t say the offerings are exotic, but they certainly aren’t ordinary. But I’ve found that most dishes are different from what I eat all the time, but familiar enough that they aren’t scary. And I liked nearly everything I’ve tried. Can’t wait for my next meal at Boma!

Kona Café – This was definitely the sleeper hit meal. I’ve eaten at KC for breakfast countless times, but having seen the dinner menu on allearsnet.com and having heard many good reviews, I knew I needed to try dinner. The food was outstanding and I’m sort of kicking myself that I didn’t work this into my plans for my upcoming trip. I am planning on trying to get a walk up one night. Because I need to actually try one of the entrées. And perhaps a pina colada.

Disney Dining Experience – We used the DDE card throughout the trip, but I kept awful records. So I’ll estimate my savings based on the menus on allearsnet.

1900 Park Fare: $6Liberty Tree Tavern: $5.80
50s Prime Time Café: $3.99
Biergarten: (Candlelight Processional Dinner Package)
Whispering Canyon Café: $4.40
Boma: (Karen paid for this meal) again!
Kona Café: $6.29
So a savings of about $26.48. Add that to my previous savings and my new total for the year is $101.03 (the year runs from July 2007 until July 2008). Obviously the card is a great value to me.

The Parks:

I think I was expecting it to be busier because of Mousefest, but the crowds were pretty light. I think the only thing I skipped riding because of wait times was Soarin’, and that’s only because I chose to not make it a priority

Holiday Events – The holiday stuff is all fantastic. The Osborne Lights are just spectacular. All the holiday décor is simply beautiful. The Candlelight Processional is amazing. And there are so many other little things going on to add to the magic. All of that makes Christmas my favorite time of the year to visit.

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – MVMCP is always fun. The shows are cute, and the fireworks are very good. But my favorite part of the Party is the parade. It’s changed a bit from what I’m used to, but I enjoyed it just as much. I don’t think the cookies are as good as they used to be. I consider MVMCP a must do.

Mousefest – It was terrific to see so many Disney nuts in the park at once. I really enjoyed the Mousefest events, and it was so much fun to have so many impromptu PassPorter meets too.

It was great getting to hang out with “old friends.” Dawn, Lesley, Terri, Robin, and Maureen are fabulous people and it was a pleasure getting to spend more time with them. I met a whole lot of “new friends,” but got to really spend some quality time with Tiff, Scarlett, Barb and Bob, Karen and Steve, Cheryl and Mark, Donna, Angie, Bill and Jan, Sue and Steve, Lynn, Yvonne and her family, and so many others I’d never met before. And I was honored (okay, totally geeked out ) to meet Jennifer and Dave Marx, without whom I’d not be able to call any of those wonderful people my friends.

And to Eileen and Karen, my BFFs, thank you. Just for being the fabulous, snarky, smart, beautiful people you are. I know you both are my true friends, because you’re still speaking to me after all the snarky comments I made in this TR. I love you guys!

Oh, and one more thing. Don’t let Karen forget about her TR Lies and Deceit! (which currently hasn’t been updated since March 9!!) Nagging her hasn’t worked, so I suggest you cater to her ego and beg for more of her brilliantly hilarious updates regularly until her TR is complete.

Thanks for reading along, and for so many absolutely wonderful comments. Y’all are so wonderful, I sort of feel like a celebrity! And since most of you haven’t met me, I’ll say that I’m just as wonderful as you imagine me to be. Don’t listen to what anyone who’s actually met me has to say about me!

Up Next: A Solo Disney Adventure, April 2008

[jpod523]

Another Absolutely Wonderful PrincessSharon Trip Report™ comes to an end! I loved it!! I can't wait for your next one!! Something has to keep me going while I wait to hear back from the Disney College Program!!!

[amandal]

Excellent TR Sharon (though i can't say I'm surprised)!! I can't believe you had so many "firsts" . . . I am truly looking forward to the April Solo Adventure. Ooooh, maybe that should be the title of the TR.